Providing yourself with some visual motivation is easier than you think. One of the first things you need to do is organize your space. Now. writers have been known to use this as great stalling technique from writing but if you have to keep organizing your space it obviously isn’t working for you.
Piles
No, not the ones you get from sitting on cold pavement. The ones that seem to gather around your working space. They are distracting and mess with your mental chi but they gather there for a reason. It’s time to look at why. Don’t go with the easy out, derogatory put down like “I’m lazy”. Give some thought to each pile. Why does this pile happen here or there and what is in the pile. Looking at each pile will give you some insight on your own habits and can help you organize better. Some times piles are just unavoidable. I have limited myself to two these days. Stuff that needs to be reviewed and stuff I’d like to work on when I have more time.
The Board
I’ve had my cork board for over six years and it’s changed very little over that time. I’ve loaded it with quotes, favorite words, inspirational cards and images that appeal to me. If you’re going to go the cork board route make sure you get a double side one. The second side can be used for storyboarding your novel and can be easily hidden away from prying eyes by turning around.
Goals
Before and during BIW it is important to post your goal for the week at the places you visit most. You can print off reminders on pretty paper or use the simplicity of post-it notes. I’m a post-it note nut I even have a software program that makes post-its on my desk top. Suggestions on where to post: Your computer monitor, your filing cabinet, the light switches leaving your office, bathroom and kitchen, on the fridge, on the bathroom vanity mirror, on the coffee pot. All the places you frequent so there’s no reason for you to forget your participating in BIW and your goal is always on your mind.
Make some time to work on your visual motivation and you are sure to notice a change in your mood and writing habits.
Leave a Reply